Head Chef – Culinary Operations

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and highly involved Head Chef to lead culinary operations for a new premium, family-friendly all-day dining establishment located in Doha. This venue specializes in wholesome, flavorful meals crafted with quality ingredients and innovative preparation techniques, featuring a diverse menu including breakfast, grills, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, salads, bowls, customizable plates, children's meals, Grab & Go options, and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of food quality and kitchen standards.
• Engage hands-on in preparing, cooking, and tasting menu items.
• Collaborate with management to develop and perfect recipes.
• Design and produce dishes such as breakfast items, grilled proteins, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, bowls, salads, and children’s meals.
• Develop the versatile Build Your Plate menu options, including selections of proteins, bases, vegetables, sauces, and toppings.
• Set and maintain standardized recipes, preparation methods, portion sizes, and plating guidelines.
• Ensure uniformity in flavor, quality, presentation, and portions.
• Implement efficient procedures for preparation, production, and service.
• Manage cook-chill processes, refrigerated storage, and finish-to-order systems.
• Train kitchen staff through practical demonstrations and daily oversight.
• Enforce consistent adherence to recipes and kitchen protocols among all staff.
• Maintain strict compliance with HACCP and food safety regulations.
• Monitor cooking, cooling, storage, reheating, labeling, FIFO protocols, cross-contamination prevention, and temperature controls.
• Organize mise-en-place and production schedules within the kitchen.
• Participate in choosing, testing, and commissioning kitchen equipment.
• Contribute to menu development and equipment trials prior to launch.
• Manage food waste, optimize yields, and control portion costs.
• Coordinate with nutrition experts on creating nutritionally balanced dishes.
• Develop products suitable for dine-in, takeout, delivery, and Grab & Go service.
• Assist in recruiting and assessing kitchen staff.
• Conduct kitchen trials and mock service sessions before opening.
• Uphold exemplary cleanliness, organization, and hygiene standards in the kitchen.
• Maintain active involvement in daily food preparation and service operations.

Candidate Profile

• Possess 7 to 10 years of professional kitchen experience, including senior-level positions.
• Strong practical cooking skills across multiple kitchen sections.
• Experience in all-day dining, premium casual dining, Mediterranean or international cuisines, healthy dining, or quality fast-casual environments is highly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of breakfast and egg dishes, grilled proteins, pasta, sauces, vegetables, salads, sandwiches, and contemporary plating styles.
• Background in recipe development and standardization.
• Thorough understanding of HACCP and commercial food safety standards.
• Familiarity with cook-chill processes, refrigerated storage, and safe reheating techniques.
• Ability to train staff practically by demonstrating cooking techniques.
• Strong grasp of food cost management, yield optimization, portion control, and waste reduction.
• Capability to perform effectively under high-volume service conditions.
• Exceptional attention to detail and consistency in culinary execution.

About You

The ideal candidate is truly passionate about cooking, enjoys hands-on involvement in the kitchen, continuously aims to refine recipes and techniques, and is committed to mentoring and building a capable kitchen team. This role requires balancing creative culinary skills with operational discipline, emphasizing taste, consistent quality, food safety, and efficient kitchen workflows.

Assessment and Recruitment

Shortlisted individuals might be requested to complete a practical cooking test covering breakfast dishes, grill/protein items, pasta and sauces, Build Your Plate options, salads, cold kitchen preparations, and plating and presentation. Additionally, candidates may demonstrate their food safety knowledge and explain how they would standardize recipes for consistent preparation by kitchen staff.

Additional Information

Applications should include a CV and may be strengthened by including a portfolio or photographs of personally developed dishes and menus.